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Three Down One To Go

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Karrie Webb completed 54 holes of the McDonalds LPGA Championship with a three shot lead over the rest of the field.

Webb, who was 11-under through the 6th today, managed to finish one stroke under par and 12-under for the tournament. It was an up and down day but she was very solid with the putter.

There were tough conditions today, Webb said. The wind was blowing hard -- I just hung in there made some really good birdies on the back nine.

Only one round stands between Karrie and the Grand Slam. Always the professional, Webb is focused on winning the event. Dont let her cool demeanor fool you ' the idea of becoming the youngest player to ever complete the Grand Slam hasnt been forgotten.

Its in the back of my mind, Webb said coyly while always remaining the pragmatist. Its not over by any means.

Webb made birdie on the par 4 3rd then followed with back-to-back bogies on the 6th and 7th. She recovered just prior to making the turn with birdied on the par 5 9th. Just when things looked like they were steadying out, the girl from Ayr bogeyed the par 4 10th for the second day in a row.

Laura Diaz and Evian Masters Champion Maria Hjorth trail the lead by three after wrapping up the 3rd round at 9-under and tied with each other for second place.

Diaz ' winless this season - joined the Tour in 1998. Today she recorded birdies on four of the last fives holes as she made her way back to the clubhouse. She is within reach of obtaining a big win if she comes out mentally strong during the final round and gets some breaks to boot.

Hjorth is fresh off a win in France last week. Her play today was stellar. Like Diaz, the Swedish native shot 5-under today to tie for second and put herself in contention for the second week in a row.

Laura Davies made a move today jumping to 9-under through the 7th. Like Webb, Davies bogeyed the par 4 10th for the second day in a row. Ironically, the Englishwoman made birdie on that very same hole during round one.

Annika Sorenstam once again struggles with disappointing play during a major. After running away with the Nabisco Championship earlier this year, Sorenstam has played her way into the middle of the pack during the U.S. Open and once again this week. She was 1-over through the 8th.

Meg Mallon shot her best round of the tournament finishing early this afternoon at 1-under par for the tournament after finally recording a sub-70 score of 4-under 67 today.

This event is not by any means over. Any one within four shots has a chance at it.

The cut last night was +3 ' a full two shots easier than a year ago ' and the 71 players that made the cut are now fight for the title. Round should prove to be very interesting.